Donna was born on December 4, 1934 in Butte, Montana to Edward and Agnes Renouard and died 9/24/2023, on Whidbey Island.

Donna attended Catholic schools while growing up in Butte, Montana, attended St Mary’s College (Kansas), and transferred to Seattle University 1956, with a degree in teaching.

Donna met her husband Tom through her brother Ed which led to many funny family stories. The first year of their courtship was a long distance relationship between Sacramento and Seattle. They married in 1960 and started married life in Juanita, WA.

Donna and Tom moved to Whidbey Island in 1968, and Donna resumed her teaching career at Coupeville Elementary School in 1969. Donna enjoyed just about every minute working with first and second graders, and especially enjoying her best friend and teaching partner, Cheryl Engle. She retired after 31 years, after teaching many hundreds of children how to read and write; if you’re of a certain age and from Coupeville there is a good chance Donna had a hand in teaching you how to read!

After retirement, Donna enjoyed traveling with Tom, and eventually purchasing their “snow bird” home in Yuma, Arizona.

They wintered there for 19 years, volunteering for many organizations, enjoying their church community, and large circle of friends.

While not in Yuma, Donna enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, traveling and volunteering. She was an active member of their church communities, St. Hubert’s and St. Mary’s; teaching Sunday school, cooking goodies for bake sales and singing in the choir. Donna was always proud of her Catholic faith, her roots in Butte, and her family, friends and her stunning summer flowers.

Donna had a quiet grace – she touched people with her sense of humor and gentle spirit. She was willing to help anyone who was in need. She was always available for a hug, a smile or a kind word. Donna had the gift to accept everyone she met-with no judgment. Donna could literally see the best in everyone.

Donna will be greatly missed by her husband of 63 years, Tom, and their children: Chris (Bev) Chan and Ruth Smethers; grandchildren, Andrew (Kathleen) Chan, Laura Chan and Tasha (John) Johnson; her brother Ed, sister in law, Bunny and brother in law, Tony; and her most special and best friend, Cheryl Engle.

Donna was welcomed into heaven by her three sisters (Loraine, Shirley and Joan) who preceded her in death, and her beloved niece, Rita.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, Langley, Washington at 11:00 AM on October 2, 2023.